These tropical plants have become classic holiday houseplants alongsidepoinsettias,Christmas cacti, and Norfolk pines.

They are favored for the splash of festive color their large blooms add.

Do notremove the foliage.

Amaryllis in windowsill

Getty Images/Johner Images

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Then, check the overall health of the bulb.

Do not remove any foliage that is still growing from the bulb.

Moisten the soil slightly to encourage root development, but do not soak it.

Note that this dormancy period is not technically cold stratification.

“They instead rely on a dormancy period of six to eight weeks.”

This period of dormancy should occur two months before you want the plant to bloom again.

As fall approaches, reduce the amount of water you give your amaryllis.

You will then notice the leaves getting leggy, turning yellow, and dying off.

This is a positive sign that the bulb is entering dormancy.

As long as the bulb is firm and healthy, your plant is doing what it should.

Amaryllis bulbs are notfrost-tolerant, so they should be exposed to cool, mild conditions during dormancy.

Temperatures between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 13 degrees Celsius) are ideal.

Do not water the bulb during this two-month dormancy period.

Blooms will follow soon after.